Arizona isn't trying to contend in 2015; it's trying to win now

Ask the Diamondbacks about Justin Upton, and here's what they'll tell you, again and again and again:

No, we're not shopping Upton.

Then why all the trade rumors?

We're always willing to listen if teams call us.

Why is he available?

We're always looking to make our team better.

There's one question, however, the D-Backs have failed to adequately address: How is the team better without Upton?

Since the start of the 2009 season, Upton has 91 homers, 77 stolen bases, 310 RBIs and 369 runs scored. You know how many major-league players have equaled or exceeded those numbers? One: Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun.

Delete runs, which more often than not are the byproduct of the next few hitters in the lineup, and only Braun, Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez and Matt Kemp of the Dodgers have been as productive.

Use the more modern slash line -- batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage -- as the common measure, and Upton ranks 16th among major-leaguers.

Oh, did we mention he's 25 years old and presumably has his best years ahead of him?

That's not a guy you trade. That's a guy you build your team around.

Yes, we know. Upton has been maddeningly inconsistent in his four full seasons with the D-Backs. His eye-popping '09 season as a 21-year-old -- 26 homers, 86 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, a .300 batting average -- was followed by a 2010 campaign in which he hit .273 with 17 homers and 69 RBIs.

In 2011, he finished fourth in the National League MVP balloting after hitting .289 with 31 homers, 88 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. Last year: .280, 17 homers, 67 RBIs, 18 stolen bases. In context, however, the numbers look different, particularly in examining Upton's down 2012 season.

Upton injured his left thumb in the season-opening series against the San Francisco Giants and wore a pad to protect it until late August. He refused to go on the disabled list, even though the injury robbed him of his usual power.

With the pad off in September and October, he looked like the Upton of a year before: He hit .304, with six homers, 14 RBIs and five steals in 29 games. His slugging percentage was .522, nearly matching his .529 mark in '11.

The Diamondbacks know Upton was playing hurt. They also know he's their most physically gifted offensive player and that, when healthy, he's capable of putting together a string of monster seasons. Yet it seems a foregone conclusion he'll be traded before spring training.

That dichotomy has to mean there's something the D-Backs aren't telling us. It makes no sense to deal Upton -- who's under contract for three more seasons -- for a package of minor-leaguers, no matter their numbers at Double-A or ranking by Baseball America. Arizona isn't trying to contend in 2015; it's trying to win now.

So what is it we don't know?

Upton's work ethic doesn't appear to be an issue. If anything, he cares too much and tries too hard. But those faults -- if they can be called faults -- should ease as he matures.

Nor is Upton a negative influence or a cancer in the clubhouse. He's not the most gregarious guy, and he spent most of his time with center fielder and close friend Chris Young. But that dynamic changed when Young was traded to Oakland.

There have been whispers that Upton and manager Kirk Gibson don't get along. Maybe that's the case, but Gibson went out of his way several times last season to praise Upton when others were questioning his production. If there is some rough ice in the relationship, talk it out. As long as Upton plays hard, does his work and isn't stabbing Gibson in the back behind his back, the two should be able to co-exist.

Unfortunately, it's probably too late for Upton and the D-Backs to find some common ground. So many times owner Ken Kendrick has said it's "highly likely" for Upton to return in 2013, only to have a potential new deal pop up days later. At this point, who can blame Upton if he feels he's been misled or even lied to?

The point of no return came when Upton refused to agree to a deal that would have sent him to the Seattle Mariners. Imagine the distraction if, after all this time and all the trade rumors, spring training begins and Upton is still wearing Sedona Red. No one will want to talk baseball; the only story will be how Upton can stay -- or where will he go.

No, it's only a matter of time before Upton becomes a former Diamondback.

What a shame.

What a mistake.

Reach Bordow at scott.bordow@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-7996. Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/sBordow

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